Mindfulness and compassion training for health professionals: A qualitative study

“It can be defined as a process of emotional, physical and psychological exhaustion experienced by an individual when confronted with emotionally demanding work situations (Maslach and Jackson, 1981).”

“The literature suggests that HCPs’ compassion and self-compassion can be increased with the practice of mindfulness, more particularly through caregiving-focused mindfulness training programs (Neff, 2003; Birnie et al., 2010; Bentley et al., 2018).”

“The credibility of results was then assessed by ensuring that verbatims were representative of the interview findings (Elo et al., 2014).”

“Compassion can have benefits in many areas, and this is particularly the case for healthcare as it is considered a key to providing quality care to patients in need (Figley, 2002; Adams et al., 2006; Kret, 2011).”

“Fortunately, a large body of literature has shed light on the positive effects of mindfulness on well-being and burnout prevention (Epstein, 1999; Epstein, 2003b; Hassed et al., 2009; Irving et al., 2009; Newsome et al., 2012; Conversano et al., 2020; Petitta et al., 2022), indicating that it leads to a feeling of bei…”

“Compassion can have benefits in many areas, and this is particularly the case for healthcare as it is considered a key to providing quality care to patients in need (Figley, 2002; Adams et al., 2006; Kret, 2011).”

“The subsequent distress has been increasingly studied in the scientific literature over the last 20 years because of the resulting problems of burnout and its negative impact on patient care (Shanafelt et al., 2002; Thomas, 2004; Olson et al., 2021).”

“This difficulty generally arises in the first year of training and increases during the course of the carrier and lingers (Dyrbye et al., 2006).”

“This is the reference model in this area, particularly because it is broad enough to correspond to the needs of professionals for all types of training (Santos and Stuart, 2003; Bates, 2004).”

“Self-compassion includes three essential elements (Birnie et al., 2010): (1) showing kindness and understanding, rather than self-criticism and harsh judgment toward oneself; (2) considering one’s experiences as part of humanity as a whole rather than separating and isolating them; and (3) keeping painful thoughts and…”

“Fortunately, a large body of literature has shed light on the positive effects of mindfulness on well-being and burnout prevention (Epstein, 1999; Epstein, 2003b; Hassed et al., 2009; Irving et al., 2009; Newsome et al., 2012; Conversano et al., 2020; Petitta et al., 2022), indicating that it leads to a feeling of bei…”

“Notably, mindfulness develops prerequisite qualities for self-compassion and empathy (e.g., non-judgmental attitude, present-moment awareness; Neff, 2003; Beddoe and Murphy, 2004; Block-Lerner et al., 2007; Beckman et al., 2012; Verweij et al., 2018a; Malpass et al., 2019).”

“Compassion fatigue can be defined as “the reduced ability or interest of the HCPs to empathize” or “bear the patient’s suffering” and corresponds to the “natural behaviors and emotions that result from knowledge of a traumatic event experienced or suffered by a person” (Raab, 2014).”

“We analyzed these interviews using King’s template analysis method (King and Brooks, 2017).”

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the suffering of Health Care Professionals (HCPs) at work, especially from work-related stress (Neto et al., 2020; Suryavanshi et al., 2020).”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“Mindfulness includes a set of methods that train the mind in order to reach a level of mental stability that fosters compassion and focused action (Epstein et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2020).”

“Notably, mindfulness develops prerequisite qualities for self-compassion and empathy (e.g., non-judgmental attitude, present-moment awareness; Neff, 2003; Beddoe and Murphy, 2004; Block-Lerner et al., 2007; Beckman et al., 2012; Verweij et al., 2018a; Malpass et al., 2019).”

“Fortunately, a large body of literature has shed light on the positive effects of mindfulness on well-being and burnout prevention (Epstein, 1999; Epstein, 2003b; Hassed et al., 2009; Irving et al., 2009; Newsome et al., 2012; Conversano et al., 2020; Petitta et al., 2022), indicating that it leads to a feeling of bei…”

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the suffering of Health Care Professionals (HCPs) at work, especially from work-related stress (Neto et al., 2020; Suryavanshi et al., 2020).”

“Among the meta-cognitive experiences that can impact warmth and self-compassion is an attitude of benevolence and acceptance of current experiences, and seeing one’s experiences as part of the common human experience (Jankowski and Holas, 2014).”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“Notably, mindfulness develops prerequisite qualities for self-compassion and empathy (e.g., non-judgmental attitude, present-moment awareness; Neff, 2003; Beddoe and Murphy, 2004; Block-Lerner et al., 2007; Beckman et al., 2012; Verweij et al., 2018a; Malpass et al., 2019).”

“] encouragement of uncompromising standards, and promotion of prioritization of work and study over other areas of life” (Robertson and Long, 2018).”

“, compassion, self-compassion, empathy) could address both of these concerns (Jermann et al., 2009; Singh et al., 2016a,b; Conversano et al., 2020; Nguyen et al., 2020; Zakeri et al., 2022).”

“So, it is worth noting that mindfulness programs prepare trainees so that they can endure a large amount of suffering without being overwhelmed or becoming insensitive to patient suffering (Miller et al., 1988).”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“, compassion, self-compassion, empathy) could address both of these concerns (Jermann et al., 2009; Singh et al., 2016a,b; Conversano et al., 2020; Nguyen et al., 2020; Zakeri et al., 2022).”

“We can identify three dimensions in this concept (Keidel, 2002; Angermeyer et al., 2006; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Zawieja and Benattar, 2019).”

“It can happen by helping HCPs become more aware of the stress they feel and to proactively set priorities and limits (Scheepers et al., 2020).”

“This is the reference model in this area, particularly because it is broad enough to correspond to the needs of professionals for all types of training (Santos and Stuart, 2003; Bates, 2004).”

“Thus, HCPs experiencing burnout become no longer able to have a meaningful relationship with their patients (Gueritault-Chalvin et al., 2000; Penson et al., 2000; Merlani et al., 2011; Lemoine et al., 2017; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Braun et al., 2019).”

“The development of self-compassion is, therefore, essential to prevent compassion fatigue and promote compassionate care (Wiklund Gustin and Wagner, 2013).”

“Some researchers stated that the practice of meditation is a good way to enhance the qualities of self-compassion and empathy (Kristeller and Johnson, 2005; Newsome et al., 2012).”

“This practice thus seems as relevant for the well-being of patients as for that of HCPs (Ma et al., 2018; Jones et al., 2020).”

“Mindfulness is “a state of mind that permits insight, presence, and reflection, and also a habit of relating to the world” (Epstein, 2003a).”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“In view of this situation of HCPs’ work-related stress and the resulting negative consequences on patients’ health, many authors have called for the development and generalization of emotional resource management programs to cultivate, among other things, the compassion of HCPs and prevent compassion fatigue and burno…”

“Thus, HCPs experiencing burnout become no longer able to have a meaningful relationship with their patients (Gueritault-Chalvin et al., 2000; Penson et al., 2000; Merlani et al., 2011; Lemoine et al., 2017; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Braun et al., 2019).”

“Fortunately, a large body of literature has shed light on the positive effects of mindfulness on well-being and burnout prevention (Epstein, 1999; Epstein, 2003b; Hassed et al., 2009; Irving et al., 2009; Newsome et al., 2012; Conversano et al., 2020; Petitta et al., 2022), indicating that it leads to a feeling of bei…”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“This practice thus seems as relevant for the well-being of patients as for that of HCPs (Ma et al., 2018; Jones et al., 2020).”

“We can identify three dimensions in this concept (Keidel, 2002; Angermeyer et al., 2006; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Zawieja and Benattar, 2019).”

“As such, it is considered to be a likely candidate as the “ultimate factor” for caring relationships (Moyers and Miller, 2013; Sturzu et al., 2019).”

“Factors contributing to this dissatisfaction include long working hours and infrequent breaks, overwork, time pressure, limited control of work, difficulties in cooperating with other professions when caring for a patient, incompatibility of family and work obligations, insufficient income and low social support (Fuss…”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“Thus, HCPs experiencing burnout become no longer able to have a meaningful relationship with their patients (Gueritault-Chalvin et al., 2000; Penson et al., 2000; Merlani et al., 2011; Lemoine et al., 2017; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Braun et al., 2019).”

“Mindfulness training focuses on the development of a non-judgmental attitude and good attentional skills (Eddy et al., 2015).”

“Thus, HCPs experiencing burnout become no longer able to have a meaningful relationship with their patients (Gueritault-Chalvin et al., 2000; Penson et al., 2000; Merlani et al., 2011; Lemoine et al., 2017; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Braun et al., 2019).”

“According to the United Kingdom Department of Health, compassion is a state wherein “care is provided in relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity; it can also be described as intelligent kindness, and is central to how people perceive their care” (Walker and Mann, 2016).”

“Notably, mindfulness develops prerequisite qualities for self-compassion and empathy (e.g., non-judgmental attitude, present-moment awareness; Neff, 2003; Beddoe and Murphy, 2004; Block-Lerner et al., 2007; Beckman et al., 2012; Verweij et al., 2018a; Malpass et al., 2019).”

“Hussain (2015) highlighted the independent development of mindfulness and meta-cognition theoretical frameworks, and suggested that some specific mindfulness-based interventions such as detached mindfulness (Hussain, 2015) were more likely than others to enhance metacognitive abilities.”

“The literature suggests that HCPs’ compassion and self-compassion can be increased with the practice of mindfulness, more particularly through caregiving-focused mindfulness training programs (Neff, 2003; Birnie et al., 2010; Bentley et al., 2018).”

“Mindfulness includes a set of methods that train the mind in order to reach a level of mental stability that fosters compassion and focused action (Epstein et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2020).”

“Positive effects of mindfulness are also noticeable in interpersonal areas, as it develops empathic understanding and enables an unconditional positive relationship with the patient (Hick, 2008; Hoenders et al., 2016; Lases et al., 2016; Bentley et al., 2018; Verweij et al., 2018b).”

“, anxiety, depression), poor communication, work accidents and musculoskeletal disorders, compassion fatigue, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ultimately medical errors (Fuss et al., 2008; Witkoski and Dickson, 2010; Weigl et al., 2013; Domantay, 2014; Kunaviktikul et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2…”

“It is often seen as a process that combines two components: (1) attention to both internal and external experiences in the present moment and (2) non-judgmental acceptance of emotions and thoughts (Sáiz-Manzanares and Montero-García, 2015; Conversano et al., 2020; Levit-Binnun et al., 2021).”

“The subsequent distress has been increasingly studied in the scientific literature over the last 20 years because of the resulting problems of burnout and its negative impact on patient care (Shanafelt et al., 2002; Thomas, 2004; Olson et al., 2021).”

“This, in turn, leads to greater compassion for patients (Dobkin and Hassed, 2016).”

“Thus, HCPs experiencing burnout become no longer able to have a meaningful relationship with their patients (Gueritault-Chalvin et al., 2000; Penson et al., 2000; Merlani et al., 2011; Lemoine et al., 2017; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Braun et al., 2019).”

“We can identify three dimensions in this concept (Keidel, 2002; Angermeyer et al., 2006; Lazarescu et al., 2018; Zawieja and Benattar, 2019).”

“…and burnout prevention (Epstein, 1999; Epstein, 2003b; Hassed et al., 2009; Irving et al., 2009; Newsome et al., 2012; Conversano et al., 2020; Petitta et al., 2022), indicating that it leads to a feeling of being able to perceive the return of dysfunctional coping patterns and take a…”

“The burnout rate among doctors in France is between 38% and 52% (Shadili et al., 2018).”

“Mindfulness and compassion training programs develop patient-centered care relationships [81].”

“Mindfulness-Based Compassion and Resilience Enhancement program (MBCARE), is a training combining mindfulness and self-compassion contextualized for professional settings, as has been proposed (as a tailored intervention for HCPs) in our previous article [4].”

“Compassion training has also been associated with enhanced communication skills, empathy development, and overall professional satisfaction among healthcare professionals [11, 12].”

“At the same time, mindful and compassionate communication interventions have been found to improve physicians’ communication skills, compassion, acceptance, and self-awareness [30,98,99].”

“While previous research (Brun et al., 2023; Hsu et al., 2024; Jiménez-Picón et al., 2021; Khedkar & Babu, 2023; Magallón-Botaya et al., 2021) has extensively explored the emotional intelligence and mindfulness of medical professionals, there remains a gap in understanding these aspects among…”

“Findings have provided rich, contextualised accounts of shifts in self-relating, including the development of a more compassionate inner dialogue and increased capacity to respond to distress with warmth and understanding (Gilbert et al. 2022; Maynard et al. 2022; Brun et al. 2023).”

“The mindfulness practices described above reflect emerging literature that speaks to how mindfulness implementation among healthcare professionals predicts lower burnout, greater compassion competence, and safer practice environments (Brun et al., 2023; Prudenzi et al, 2022; Watson et al., 2022).”